Health Insurance
To apply for health insurance, you need to sign up with the Medical Service Plan (MSP) of BC, which is mandatory for all residents. You can apply for MSP online. Note that there is a waiting period of around three months before the coverage becomes effective. If you are moving from another province, you can continue with your old medical coverage until your new BC coverage starts. It’s important to note that healthcare coverage does not typically include prescription medications. You may need to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy, depending on factors like your income level, whether you have secondary health insurance (usually through your employer), and whether the prescription is for your child, among others.
Dental
The BC medical service plan does not offer dental care coverage to individuals who are 19 years or older, except for those receiving income or disability assistance. If you are 19 years old or younger, you may receive dental coverage through the province, depending on your family’s eligibility. Typically, individuals opt for private dental insurance to cover their dental expenses, which can be purchased through a private health insurance company such as BCAA or Pacific Blue Cross, or provided as a benefit through their employer.
Dental coverage from the Province of BC
Optical
If you are over 19 years old, the BC medical service plan does not cover the cost of optical care, such as glasses and contacts, unless you receive income or disability assistance. However, if you are 19 years or younger, BC may provide coverage for optical care depending on your family’s eligibility. Private opticians typically provide optical care services in BC, including eye exams, glasses, and contacts. The cost of a basic eye exam usually ranges from $60 to $100, depending on the store or optician and any deals they may offer.